Cook County Department of Public Health

National Heart Health Month

In February, Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is joining the American Heart Association in their fight against heart disease. Join us and millions of other men and women in Illinois in honoring National Heart Health Month and supporting the Go Red for Women movement by wearing red on Friday, February 6th --- National Wear Red Day.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both women and men in the United States, with women accounting for over 50% of the total heart disease deaths. In 2008, it was estimated that over a million Americans would be affected by heart disease -- about one person dying from a heart attack every minute. Major risk factors include high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, tobacco use and secondhand smoke. (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Take Action to Prevent Heart Disease

• Pledge to join in the fight against heart disease. Make a pledge at www.goredforwomen.org to receive a free pin, and download information and tools to help you “live a stronger, longer life.” If you are business, school, faith-based organization, or municipality/township in suburban Cook County, submit a pledge form to CCDPH and receive a Certificate of Recognition for your organization’s efforts!
• Share information with employees, students, congregation members, family or friends. Check out the health materials and website below.
• Start or continue to take care of your own heart. Tips to lower your risk:
  • Start or maintain an active lifestyle. Do a total of 30-minutes of physical activity on most, if not, all days of the week.
  • Eat a “heart-healthy” diet. Include more fruits and vegetables, whole-grains and lean meats. Limit salt intake, where possible. Take the Live and Learn Quiz at www.americanheart.org (click on Healthy Lifestyles and then on Health Tools) to get personalized resources and a free cookbook!
  • Take a smoke-free pledge. Protect yourself and your loved ones from the health risks of secondhand smoke by keeping your home and car smoke-free. If you are a smoker and are interested in quitting, call the CCDPH Tobacco Prevention and Control Unit at 708-492-2147 for information on cessation classes throughout suburban Cook County.

Pledge Forms

• For Businesses
• For Schools
• For Faith-Based Organizations
• For Municipalities
• For Townships

Resolution Template

• For Municipalities or Townships

Resources to Share

• Heart Health Facts
• American Heart Association
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention